Frequently Asked Questions


GENERAL INFORMATION

What is our teaching philosophy?
Our classes are designed so that students can learn technology skills while engaged in fun and interesting projects. Our goal is to have students learn how to do some amazing things with technology -- all in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

What's the camper:staff ratio?
Our average camper:staff ratio is 10:1. In addition, we often have student assistants (high school/ middle school students) who provide additional support for the campers.

What type of students are these classes designed for?
If a student has a strong interest in the class content, there is a very strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the class, regardless of his/her experience with specific technology (computers or LEGOs). We have found that interest and not prior experience is the key ingredient in ensuring a fruitful experience in our classes.

Will there be adult supervision throughout the day?
Yes! Our staff supervise the students throughout the day, both in class, as well as during the recess and lunch breaks.

Does each student have their own computer/LEGO kit to work with?
Yes, each student works at his/her own computer. If enrolled in a LEGO class, each student has their own kit to work with.

How are the classes structured?
Each class has a particular theme, such as Game Design or LEGO Robotics. Within each class, there are sequential skills which students must learn and apply to master the subject. The instructors begin by teaching a specific skill(s), students practice and apply the skill(s) through high-interest, fun activities and, then regroup to learn the next sequential skill. Students have flexibility in creativity (the orientation and design of their projects), but follow the general progression of activities taught by the instructor to master the skills.

Do students get some outdoor recreation?
Yes, we have a 20 minute recess break in the morning and another in the afternoon. During these times, students and staff go outside to eat snacks and participate in different recreation activities. In addition, if the student is staying all-day, then there is a half-hour lunch recess between classes.

Do you serve lunch and a snack?
No - please remember that each camper should bring his/her own lunch, snacks and beverages.

Is before and after-school care offered?
Yes, some locations offer before and afterschool care. Please check the schedule of each location to determine if extended day hours are available.

What is your privacy policy?
TechKnowHow, Inc. does not share any personal information, including email addresses, with third parties interested in contacting you or collecting information about you. In addition, we DO NOT sell, rent, give or trade personal information we collect from online, phone or mail-in registrations. For complete privacy policy and collection or personal information, click here .

STAFF

Who are the instructors?
Instructors are individuals who have a great interest and ability in teaching technology to students in an exciting way. Some are current school teachers or are involved in university programs, pursuing teaching credentials or secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others are college students pursuing degrees in computer science. Many instructors teach classes for us in our year-round enrichment programs or have taught classes in previous summers. Each instructor is trained in teaching specific lessons involving the software and technology products in the courses. In addition, all instructors go through a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice.

CLASSES

What type of computers do students work with?
The students work with PC laptops running Windows XP or 2000.

What do students do in each class?
For complete descriptions of each class, click on the link "Class Descriptions" at the left of this page.

Do students get to take home their computer work?
Yes, students take home the majority of their projects on a CD.

Do students take home their LEGO projects?
Since we use our LEGO supplies in classes throughout the year, students do not take home LEGO projects or pieces. We can provide a list of affordable suppliers for LEGO parts, though, if your son/daughter wants to get pieces/kits used in our classes. Students do take home a CD containing videos of some of their LEGO projects in motion, as well as a certificate of achievement.

What if a camp needs to be canceled due to low enrollment?
In the unlikely event that a camp needs to be cancelled, we will provide a full refund of tuition or allow a transfer to another TechKnowHow, Inc. camp, if space is available.

AGE APPROPRIATENESS

What about the age ranges - will my child be too young or too old compared with the rest of the class?
Since most classes have 2-3 instructors, we will often divide the seating of students so that the students are grouped by age. In this way, one or more instructors will work with the younger students, while another works with the older ones in the class. The base projects, lessons and software used in a class are the same for all students; the older students' work, on average, may have more details, enhancements, and extras. You can call us to get the current mix of students by age in classes that you are interested in.

What about a 5 year old student?
This year, we offer a "Young Builders" LEGO class which is designed for 5 and 6 year olds. The curriculum is designed for young students who want to learn interesting building techniques and principles through hands-on, fun projects and experimentation.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

What is the tuition for the program?
Tuition begins at $215/wk. for a half-day camp, and $375/wk. for an all-day camp. Pricing for the week of June 30th (4-day week with a holiday on July 4th) -$175/wk. for a half-day camp, and $300/wk. for an all-day camp.
Note that camps at certain locations, such as community centers, may vary in pricing and an early-bird offer.
(See each location for pricing.)